Pray and Obey

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Pray and Obey

Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.
—Psalm 40:6

God delights in our obedience. Naturally, it doesn't do God any good to talk to us if we aren't going to listen and obey.

For many years, I wanted God to talk to me, but I wanted to pick and choose what to obey. I wanted to do what He said if I thought it was a good idea. If I didn't like what I was hearing, then I would act like it wasn't from God. God has given us the capacity both to hear Him and to obey Him. He does not require a higher sacrifice than obedience. Some of what God says to you will be exciting. Some things God tells you might not be so thrilling to hear. But that doesn't mean that what He tells you won't work out for good if you will just do it His way. If you want God's will for your life, I can tell you the recipe in its simplest form: Pray and obey. God has given you the capacity to do both.


From the book New Day, New You: 365 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life by Joyce Meyer.